Rick Fielding's passing. (March 20, 2004)

Subject: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Bill Garrett
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:05 PM

Our friend Rick Fielding passed away Saturday evening March 20th. after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Originally a native of Montréal, Quebec, Rick was smitten by folk and blues music as a teenager.. He later moved to Toronto and in a career that spanned over thirty years toured extensively throughout Canada, Great Britain and the United States.
He recorded albums for Folk Legacy and Borealis. and happily managed to finish his latest album "Acoustic Workshop" while struggling with his illness.
Apart from touring and playing his own music Rick taught acoustic techniques on guitar, banjo, mandolin and dulcimer, ran workshops on songwriting and professional development for musicians, did custom leather work, and hosted the radio show Acoustic Workshop on CIUT-FM 89.5.

Above all Rick was a giving person as a performer. teacher and friend.He will be missed deeply by all who knew him.

A celebration of Rick's life and music will probably take place in late spring. We'll post more information here as it becomes available.
Bill

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:10 PM

I guess we'll have to finally meet face to face down the raod Rick...

Take ye care till I see's ya mate!

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: wysiwyg
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:12 PM

God bless you and angels welcome you to glory, my friend. Love, condolences, and an open ear, to Heather. May you find a soft place to land and joy for all time.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:17 PM

In his own words.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:19 PM

Rick,
Friend, Teacher, thanks for your encouragement and support. I will miss you.

Heather you have my deepest and sincerest condolonces.

Ron Belanger

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:21 PM

your love for music lives on...

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Tony Burns
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:26 PM

The loss of a true friend to all of us.

Sing with the angels Rick.

Deepest sympathy and love to you Heather.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:26 PM

Our world is poorer today. Words fail.
Rest you well, Rick.
Heather, our thoughts are with you.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:29 PM

In so many ways Rick represented to me the best of what Mudcat had to offer. He was kind, he was funny, he offered helpful hints on guitar method, he knew traditional as well as contemporary folk and most of the people who perform it. I never met him, but our exchanges in this forum made me feel as if I had a good friend in Toronto.

I will find some solace in his music today, and we who called Rick a friend can all take strength from the "handful of songs" he has left us.

Ernie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Art Thieme
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:36 PM

Heather,

I feel I know you from the loving words Rick gave to us all on Mudcat. I'm just so sorry. Know that we share your sadness.

Art and Carol Thieme

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Alice
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:43 PM

Heather, there are no words adequate to express what I feel. My heart goes out to you. Take care.

Love,

Alice Flynn

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:43 PM

Heather, I am so, so sorry. Roger and I are holding you in our hearts and thoughts and will never, ever forget Rick and his incredible, wonderful gifts of self and music.

Wonder if he's singing with the angels or cutting up with Quentin Crisp.

Goodbye, Rick, we love you,

luvyakat&Rog

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: kendall
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:45 PM

Oh no... I'm devastated. can't think.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: DonMeixner
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:48 PM

One of my best memories is sitting in Rick's garden with Rick, Heather, some family and friends and playing music. I will cherish the memory.

My deepest condolences to Heather and their family.

Don

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Pene Azul
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:51 PM

My deepest condolences to Heather, and all of Rick's family and friends. I'll always remember Rick's kindness, sense of humor, and incredible talent. Imagine how many people have been influenced and inspired by Rick, and how many people they influence and inspire in kind.

Jeff

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: black walnut
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 12:58 PM

With love and memories and sadness,
from Debbie & others in the Song Circle and The Woods Music and Dance Camp

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: bbc
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:03 PM

I feel very thankful that I had the opportunity to know Rick--a tremendously talented, kind, giving person. He confronted his illness with bravery & without complaint; may we profit from his example. The world is lessened w/ his passing. Heather, no meaningful words come to mind to express my feelings, but please know that I sympathize with your great loss.

best always,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Morticia
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:04 PM

I am so, so sorry to hear this, I will miss him so much.All my love and good thoughts to you, Heather.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:05 PM

What a terrible loss! Our hearts and prayers go out to Heather and their families. Rick was a gracious, modest, generous man and he will be greatly missed.

Jerry and Ruth

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Dave Swan
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:34 PM

I came home from work this morning to find Pam in tears. She had just received a phone call from Peter T.

Pam's in the next room playing a dulcimer which Rick gave her, and I'm trying to find words.

Many of us are shaken by this. Our world is smaller and quieter.

Our hearts go out to Heather.

And a song goes out to Rick.

Dave & Pam

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:35 PM

I just don't know what to say....Heather and family, all my deepest condolences....in my heart, I will dedicate today's matinee performance to him....

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:38 PM

I'd always hoped that someday he'd be across here and I'd get a chance to meet him and hear him. He'd been planning a trip a few years ago I seem to remember. Not to be.

Rick's presence here on the Cat was one of the best things about the place - especially the technical threads he'd start about guitar playing. It'd be great if someone could bring them together in some way, maybe as a permathread with an index or something. Did he ever write a tutor book? If he didn't perhaps the advice he gave in the threads could be the basis of one.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:41 PM

Very sorry to hear this.
Rest in Peace Rick.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: kendall
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:41 PM

...but we'll never hear his gentle voice again...It will be a long time before I can listen to Rick sing this song again. God, it hurts.

Heather, my deepest sympathy to you and yours. Words fail me.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:43 PM

We'll miss you Rick. Have fun in your new adventure.

Heather, we are thinking of you, and we send our best thoughts and wishes to you and to your families. You've had a lot of challenges in the last few years. Here's hoping that you receive whatever comfort and support you need at this time, and that your life becomes a lot easier beginning right now.

Carol and Rob

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Francy
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:50 PM

"Does his soul live on in the engine's song,as the striker checks the gears?    Is he still afloat on an old steamboat, after he's gone from here".....Listening to you now Rick....Later my friend...Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Micca
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:50 PM

Heather, My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies at this time,He was well liked and much loved in his time and who can ask for better than that.
I was so taken with Rick when I met him at the Getaway, so much that i sat in on a Guitar workshop he ran with Jed Marum on picking styles, since I do not play guitar or any other instrument you will understand the mans ability to communicate his Joy and love of his instrument when I tell you that the time flew by and I was not bored for a second.

"Sing no sad songs for me Shed You no tears
Its not what I would want If I were here
But sing my songs aloud Drink pots of Beer
but no sad songs for me Shed you no tears
Chorus   
Sing no sad songs for me
Live like tomorrow
Will Never be "

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Frug
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:53 PM

Although I didn't know Rick personally, I did exchange a couple of PM's a while ago..........I think that the warmth and generosity of the man's spirit is embodied in his many postings to Mudcat and in particular the way he tried to share his skills, knowledge and experience. A very sad loss.........Deepest sympathy to Heather and family members.


Frank

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Justa Picker
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 01:54 PM

Heather, I'm speechless.
You know how I felt about Rick.
My deepest condolences and if there's ANYTHING I can do,
you know where to reach me.

Love,
Michael

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Devilmaster
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:09 PM

I got to meet Heather and Rick a year or so ago when he played at Windsor Folk.....

A traditional naval wish:

Fair Winds And A Following Sea, Rick.

My Thoughts and Prayers, Heather, Family and Friends.

Steve

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:13 PM

SO sorry to hear this. He will be sadly missed but his music will live on.

Keeping Heather in our thoughts.

May you rest well Rick

Khatt x

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Eve Goldberg
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:25 PM

I am at a loss for words. I will miss Rick so much and my thoughts are with you Heather.

Love,

Eve

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Willie-O
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:26 PM

Damn. We knew it was coming, but...

Heather, your sorrow is ours. Rick touched so many lives, it is hard to fathom this loss, but we know you will miss him most of all. We all will.

Love
Bill

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:30 PM

Sad news indeed. We offer our condolences to Heather.

Jon and Pip Freeman

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:30 PM

Great sadness here. I'll always hear Rick's singing and the beautiful thoughts he expressed in threads here. He touched my heart many times, and like all good teachers, seemed to bring out the best in people around him.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: alanabit
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:36 PM

I am one of many here who never met Rick face to face, but are stunned by his death nevertheless. He wrote in a posting here about a year ago that he would just have to face the situation with as much dignity and humour as he could. I guess that's what he did. All the time I wanted to believe that this wasn't really going to happen.
I can hear his lovely singing and playing on his CD. Maybe that's what he would have wanted. My condolences to all his family and many friends. We won't see another like him.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: harvey andrews
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:36 PM

Heather, Wendy and I send all our love. You're a very special person and we will be thinking of you lots.

In all my years in music Rick was the person I most wanted to spend time with, and I know a lot of other people felt the same. I met him late in life and really resented the fact we lived an ocean apart. He was highly intelligent,loved a discussion,was curious about everything and very honest in his opinions. He was a great listener and story teller. His love of British humour was endearing, the Goons particularly tickled his fancy. He was fascinated by the lives of the creative. I remember his enthusiasm for the diaries of Benjamin Haydon and Kenneth Williams and his joyful response to a biography of Lord Buckley I'd sent him which he read twice in a matter of days.
I've not met a better man or friend than Rick Fielding and I'm going to miss him terribly.
He gave me a leather guitar strap he'd worked with the title of one of my albums on it. I've worn it to every gig since, so Rick will be on stage with me until the last song.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Arnie & Kathy
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:41 PM

Rick has touched our lives in many ways over the years. We are deeply saddened and He will be greatly missed in our small folk music community. Our thoughts our with you Heather at this time.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Little Robyn
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:41 PM

A sad loss to the world but he'll be singing with the angels tonight.
We'll play a track on our radio show next Sunday.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: balladeer
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:42 PM

Heather, Adam and I are thinking of you today. Rick made a difference. Love, Joanne

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: MMario
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:42 PM

I hate it how words fail me at times like these.   So instead - this is for rick; though not written about him - it certainly fits.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: fat B****rd
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:45 PM

Rick replied to a thread I was involved in some time ago. He was courteous and friendly and I'm truly sorry to hear that he's gone. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: KathWestra
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:48 PM

Rick was an extraordinary human being first, an extraordinary musician and teacher too. The human being--generous, kind, funny, incisive, thoughtful, courageous, intolerant of injustice, patient with those who were struggling (musically, personally...). I was lucky to have him as a friend. We are all still lucky to have his songs on recordings. This is such sad, sad news.

Heather, I had just written and mailed a note to you and Rick yesterday. I hope Rick knew how much he was loved, even though he'll never get to read it. And for you, much much love. Know that you are a special part of this community and that there is (and will continue to be) much love and support through and beyond this difficult time. Love you. Kathy

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Mooh
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 02:53 PM

What a loss! We are so sorry, and our hopes and prayers are with Heather. "May light perpetual shine upon him."

Peace, Mike and Tami Crocker.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 05:15 PM

There are no words.

Heather, I'm holding you in my heart.

Love,
Allison

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Amergin
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 05:20 PM

Shocked...I had always hoped he would beat this...damn I'm in tears now...I had always wanted to meet him, He was kind and funny and a good guy. Who knows maybe we'll finally meet one day...

Heather, my thoughts are with you.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Stewie
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 05:25 PM

I am shocked and saddened to hear this news. My sincerest sympathy to Heather.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 05:29 PM

Here's a link to a song I wrote a few years ago, when my wife's mother died, and I sang it when my brother died; and I always seem to sing it when someone I care about dies - Over the Edge of the World

And here's the first verse:

Now you've left us behind and you've gone on your way,
over the edge of the world.
You left without warning with so much to say.
Are you just round the corner, or far far away?
Well, goodbye, and I hope I might see you some day,
over the edge of the world.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 05:29 PM

There are a number of people I've met on the Mudcat who I've always hoped to meet up with in person. Rick was high on that list. I imagined listening to him play, and talking about great baseball teams of the past (and the BlueJays)...some other time, my friend. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Heather and the rest of his family and many good friends.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: mooman
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 05:30 PM

Very deepest and most sincere condolances to Heather from Patricia and myself.

Peace

Richard